This is a funny old reissue but it is full of charm and well worth it. The Young Ones Of Guyana were a ‘journeyman’ band who found themselves playing in the UK in 1970 as part of the first Guyanese ‘Mashramani’, which was a celebration of independence from Great Britain. ‘On Tour’ was recorded during this period in London and it’s an entertaining romp through a broad range of hits of the day (excepting the Guyanese folk number ‘Yellow Girl’). Sly & The Family Stone’s ‘Sing A Simple Song’, a brilliant steel pan led version of the Soul Survivors ‘Expressway To Your Heart, as well as a couple of reggae classics by Toots and Harry J All Stars. Rock solid playing with the distinctive Farfisa organ up front always.
Tracks like Tom Jobim’s ‘Meditation’ veer into ‘groovy’ lounge act territory but it’s a sweet laugh, the band’s deftness at being able to switch styles has its appeal, a young band enjoying themselves on their first ever album. Calypso underpins much of what this 8 piece band are doing and it’s this infectiousness that pulls the record together.
‘Reunion’ recorded in 1973 in Toronto is a very different record. Having since disbanded, several members of the band found themselves in Canada at the same time so jumped into the studio to record their final album. Switching up from the Farfisa to the Hammond B3 organ, there’s a slightly more unhinged feel to songs like ‘Grenada Girl’ and Sweet’s ‘Popa Joe’ though their driving latin/calypso swing is still there, full of joyfulness. The industry’s 70’s move into AOR rock and pop is more pronounced, with covers of easy-listening soul standards by Luther Ingram and Bill Withers, even ‘Love Theme From The Godfather’ gets a crack. Best of all is a funky reggae version of Paul Anka’s ‘Diana’, which wouldn’t be out of place on Trojan Records. Only ever released in Guyana and the Caribbean, this is a rare one.
Both albums will be released together in double vinyl gatefold by BBE and will be available from June 21st 2019
BUY HERE - https://www.bbemusic.com/downloads/on-tour/